Willemse: Everyone wants to win the World Cup and ‘beat the Springboks’

Damian Willemse emphasized that teams worldwide want to defeat the Springboks ahead of the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup in Australia. Back-to-back world champions South Africa are currently in Perth to play the Wallabies, following a 3-1 series victory over New Zealand's All Blacks. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to the starting lineup, with only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker retaining their starting spots.

Andre Esterhuizen will captain South Africa for the first time, while Jasper Wiese is set to make his 50th Test appearance. Wallabies coach Les Kiss selected a back three featuring Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on the wing. South Africa's experienced bench includes Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche.